UK used car market grows as electric vehicles gain momentum this summer

The UK used car market saw steady growth this summer, with over 2 million transactions recorded. Electric vehicles gained ground, while petrol models remained the most popular choice for buyers. Between July and September, a total of 2,021,265 used cars were sold, marking a 2.4% increase from the same period last year. Petrol cars led the market, with 1,145,148 units sold, a rise of 1.9%. Internal combustion engine vehicles still dominated, accounting for 90% of all transactions.

Electric vehicles made progress, with 80,614 used models sold in the quarter. This pushed their share of the market to 4%, up from 2.8% in 2024. Conventional hybrids also surged, with sales climbing 30% to 107,727 vehicles. Plug-in hybrid transactions grew more modestly, rising 2% to 23,480 units.

The Government is set to introduce new policies affecting car ownership. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce plans in her Autumn Budget to implement pay-per-mile taxation for EVs from 2028. Additionally, vehicles obtained through Employee Car Ownership Schemes will soon be liable for company car tax. The used car market continues to expand, with electric and hybrid models gaining traction. New tax policies on the horizon may influence future buying trends. The shift in fuel types reflects changing preferences among British drivers.